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View a database that includes artifacts, photographs, and documents in the History San José collection which relate to Lou’s Village Restaurant in San José, California.
Scat Man Crothers
Scat Man Crothers was an African-American actor and musician. Born Benjamin Sherman Crothers, he was the son of a cobbler who taught himself to play the drums and guitar. He gained the nickname “Scat Man” while auditioning for a radio show in 1932. The director thought he needed a catchier name. Because of his scat singing skill the moniker was born. He formed is own band in the 1930s and toured throughout the Midwest. Around 1945, he headed to California and settled in Hollywood with his family and continued touring on the west coast. Later in his career, Crothers branched out from his music career to include television and movies. Scat Man was featured at Lou’s Village for a limited engagement beginning on April 7, 1950. Also on the bill was comedian, Michael Foster and Carmencita, a dancer.